Sun behind the big freeze?

The University of Reading research team, led by solar physicist Professor Mike Lockwood, suggest freezing temperatures, snow and ice are all down to the sun’s magnetic field

Researchers at The University of Reading have come up with an explanation as to why we were all so cold last winter.

In a report published in the Institute of Physics journal Environmental Research Letters, the Reading research team, led by solar physicist Professor Mike Lockwood, suggest freezing temperatures, snow and ice are all down to the sun’s magnetic field.

The theory is that low solar activity has an add-on effect on the jet stream, blocking the stream which normally brings mild winds over Britain during winter to warm us up.

If the mild jet stream is blocked each year winters may continue to be bitterly cold, despite global warming.